My Journey of a Total Knee Replacement (Part One)
After an injury about 18 months ago, I had been experiencing pain in my right knee and noticed that it was looking a little thicker than the other.
I telephoned my doctor who arranged for an appointment with a physiotherapist. He sent me straight to the local hospital for x-rays, and called the following morning to say I had developed severe arthritis and, in his opinion, would need a total knee replacement.
Could I Delay It?
To be honest, I was taken aback by this news. I had always been extremely healthy, and I knew a TKR (Total Knee Replacement) would mean a long recovery, something I felt I didn’t have time for. I wouldn’t be able to drive for between six and eight weeks. I live alone, with no family within a hundred miles. I wasn’t worried about the operation at all, but I was worried about how I would cope with being immobile for so long.
I decided I would try to delay it as long as possible. I felt the damage was already done, so I would just have to accept the pain, and do what I could to delay the inevitable. I took calcium and turmeric supplements, began a healthy eating regime, started aqua aerobics, and spent as long as I could in the sunshine.
Things Became Worse
Sadly, things became worse very quickly. My knee started giving way, and I had several falls. It also hurt a great deal and walking was extremely painful. I dropped from walking around 15,000 steps a day to about 500. I couldn’t even walk around a supermarket! As much as I didn’t want to accept it, I knew something had to be done.
Seeing My X-rays Was a Turning Point
I went to see my doctor again to ask if there was any other course of action other than the TKR. She showed me the x-rays on screen, indicating I had severe osteoarthritis, and said she could understand how painful it must be as it was bone on bone. The doctor explained that my options were: do nothing, injections, physiotherapy, or a TKR. In her opinion, the only real course of action was the knee replacement. Sadly, I was beginning to agree.
Operation Assessment
I was sent to a lovely lady called Sara Pearce, a specialist in joint replacement. She went through the operation, the recovery and the potential outcomes. She also agreed that a TKR was the only thing that would really make a difference long term.
It was helpful to have time to talk things through without feeling under any pressure. When I left the office, I was given a pamphlet explaining the operation and what I could do before – for example, exercises and getting my home ready – and also how to prepare for the long recuperation after the operation.
All Systems Go!
The following week I received a letter saying I could choose where I wanted the operation done. My local hospital was approximately a one-year wait, but I could go private and it would be a wait of only four to six weeks… and the NHS would pay! I had heard this might be a possibility and also met a few people at my aqua class who had chosen this opportunity, all extolling their fabulous care. All things considered, I was very happy :)
I called to make my pre-operation appointment and was given a date of September 17th. The operation would be a week or two after. So here I am… preparing my home, filling my cupboards, exercising my muscles and, most importantly, preparing my mind. I know going into this the more positive I am, the better.
Wish me luck :)
Join the Conversation:
Have you had a knee replacement? What was your experience? Has it changed your life?
Tags Medical Conditions
It’s most likely in my future but I am
fearful that it will be the beginning of
the end of mobility for me. I do not
know anyone who has returned to normal after this surgery
I had both mine done 6 weeks apart and the doctor did an excellent job. I can anywhere without pain.
good news
Hi Chris thank you for joining the conversation. I am so happy your operations have been so successful, it fills me with joy! Lily x
I had my right knee replaced in April and my left knee five weeks ago. This was after 15 years of a diagnosis of osteoarthritis. I managed it with exercise but after a trip to France last fall and going up and down staircases every day (the cobble-stone streets probably did not help either) I ended my trip in excruiciating pain. I called the surgeon’s office two days later. Yes, the recovery is not wonderful and sometimes the pain was severe. Physical therapy helped immensely. My main problem was that I could not get comfortable enough to achieve long and deep sleep at night which made me crabby and fatigued. But I would say that I am extremely happy I made the decision to replace both knees and look forward to the time when I can walk up and down mountains as well as on cobble-stone streets and staircases.
Hi Jana, thank you for joining the conversation. I am so pleased your operation was successful! I have heard several people say they had difficulty with deep sleep.As a traveller I am hoping the end result will be well worth it :) Lily x
Hi Sandy, thank you for joining the conversation. I totally understand where you are coming from, I felt the same. However I have spent the last 3 months talking to many people who have had total knee replacements and I would say over 90% of the people I spoke to are delighted they have had it done. I am now really looking forward to mine :) Lily x
My sister in law had a terrible knee issue to the point she was scared it would go out from underneath her when out and about. She had it replaced last year and has been like a new woman ever since, she’s still only in her 50s and this op was fantastic for her. A former colleague of mine paid to have it done in Bulgaria because the NHS wait time in his area was way too long and he was in agony.
Hi Linda, thanks for joining the conversation. That is so lovely to hear! The same thing happens to me as your sister in law, and I have had several falls. Looking forward to being a new woman :) Lily x
Hi. My name is Cass, I’m 71 and have had both knees replaced (not simultaneously). At the age of 10, I damaged my knee. I continued athletic sports and experienced knee issues. Fast forward, I had the first TKR about 10 years. Recovery went well. I was not immobleized and I was able to take care of myself. I did get help from friends but was independent quickly. I live in second floor walk-up. I was back to yoga, strength training, camping, hiking, swimming… You name it. I had the second TKR a couple years later and was driving in 2 weeks , completely independent and back to my normal activity. I still do strength training, play pickleball, yoga and still live in the 2nd floor walk-up. I’ve never looked back. I’m completely grateful for my freedom. Of course, my surgeon was brilliant and participated in the design of his implants. Alot of successful surgeries start by asking questions of your surgeon and knowing your anatomy. Keep moving. Motion is lotion.
Hi Cass, thank you for joining the conversation. This was wonderful to read! The two things I know I am going to miss while recuperating are driving and swimming, so intend to work hard. Hopefully I will be back doing them as quickly as you :) Lily x
The best thing I ever did! I didn’t realize how much I needed it – but now I can do anything. I too live alone – my sister stayed with until I kicked her out (almost 2 weeks). And by the third week I was doing short walks with my dog. Ice it… physical therapy – do it all…put your walker backward around your toilet – you can use it to help you get up. I did have to have help driving to PT – but it worked out. Wishing you well. Try for robotic surgery – it heals faster – and drink gator aide before and after surgery – my surgeon told me to do that and it helped.
Hi Amy, thank you for joining the conversation. Thank you for your really uplifting words! I have never heard of gator aide but will look into it. Thank you :) Lily x
I had both knees replaced on the same day 20 years ago. Stupid maybe, but I didn’t think I’d go thru the same process twice. Moving and exercising on day 2 after surgery and thereafter was a must. I didn’t want to move – it hurt. But you must move, walk, and try to bend your knee – the more the merrier. I did aqua therapy – just walking around the pool, but I could now walk and bend and bicycle like I hadn’t been able to do in years. I was back at work at 8 weeks, and in hindsight, I really wasn’t ready. By 12 weeks, I was better than ever.
I had a total knee replacement of my left knee at age 71. I had suffered from knee pain for about 30 years before going ahead with the surgery. Recovery is challenging but manageable. I did outpatient physical therapy for about 3 months after surgery. I was able to drive two and a half weeks after surgery. So glad I got this done, my life and activity level has greatly improved. I’m 74 now, and better than ever. Good luck to everyone who’s facing this surgery, just know that you will eventually be happy you finally went ahead with it.
Hi Karyn thanks for joining the conversation. I know it is going to be hard but I am ready to get my life back. Lovely to hear you were driving so soon after surgery. That is going to be a big motivation for me! Lily x
Hi Lily~ Sounds like you have a winning attitude, so you’re sure to do well! Best Wishes for a smooth and speedy recovery! 💗
Thanks Karyn x
Hi Susan, thanks for joining the conversation. I am so pleased to hear your positive outcome, I truly hope I will be as lucky. As you say, I need to do my part after the surgery. I am looking forward to getting my life back! Lily x
Where did you have your knee replacements done? When I asked about doing both at one time I was told that no hospital in California would do that because you have to have mobility in one knee to help get around in case of emergency. (I did mine one year apart and, absolutely, you feel like you’ve been given a whole new life.!)
Hi Linda, thank you for joining the conversation. I am so pleased your operations were successful and given you a whole new life. I hope the same goes for me :) Lily x
Hi Susan, thank you for joining the conversation. This was lovely to read and I am delighted your bravery worked out for you! I am a big fan of aqua therapy! Lily x